Bay Tree problem

[brifos]

My bay tree - about 8 years old - is in a very sorry state, with leaves turning brown and falling off. I've cut it down to see if it re-grows but wonder what has affected it?

[ludwig]

Ours is the same - I think the extremely cold weather before Christmas killed it.

[landscaper2]

Too late now, but its a bit early to cut it down. Its been a really harsh winter and I will be leaving trees and shrubs until at least mid May to see where they spring out from.
Just a point, its not in a tub under the eves and simply dried out, is it?

[McMouse]

If in a pot make sure it's not root bound and dried out.

[murraymints]

ouch...would not have cut it so early....but waited 'till about May and then cut back to new bud

[agardner09]

The bad winter weather we have suffered this year has scorched and killed many shrubs, bay trees included. However in my experience bays are very resilient and invariably grow back. Nevertheless if you cut it back either during or just before a spell of frost you probably have done it a mischief. One good thing, you won't have to wait long to find out.
I wouldn't recommend growing a bay in a pot for long, they have strong prolific roots so they need potting on regularly, even large tubs won't hold them for long.